By David Ndolo
Kenya Police FC battled to a thrilling 1-1 draw against league leaders Gor Mahia FC in a high-intensity clash at Nyayo National Stadium, in what many fans described as one of the best local league matches staged at the iconic venue in recent years.
Watched by thousands of passionate supporters, Police FC took the lead before halftime, only for Gor Mahia to fight back in the second half and force a draw in an entertaining encounter marked by end-to-end action and electric atmosphere.
Despite missing out on maximum points, the Police FC camp left the stadium in high spirits after Gilbert Masengeli, accompanied by Eliud Langat, rewarded the players and technical bench with KES 200,000 each, while the two police bosses also donated an additional KES 100,000 each to the team.
The police chiefs challenged the players to remain focused and push for victory in the Mozzart Bet Cup in order to secure qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup.
“We played well. A draw is better than a loss. Gor Mahia were the hosts, so we are okay with the result and the ‘juju’ they might have planted,” DIG Langat joked after the match, drawing laughter from players and fans alike.
Masengeli, who also serves as patron of APS Bomet FC, urged Police FC to defeat Bandari FC in their next fixture to ease pressure on APS Bomet in the relegation battle.
Police Bullets Make History
Meanwhile, Kenya Police Bullets FC made history after clinching their third consecutive FKF Women Premier League title following a narrow 1-0 victory over Trinity Starlets FC at the Trinity Complex.
The triumph saw Police Bullets become the first Kenyan women’s side to win three straight league titles within their first three seasons in the top flight.
Heading into the match with 46 points, two ahead of Ulinzi Starlets FC who had played an extra game, Police Bullets needed victory to seal the title with two matches to spare.
The contest remained tightly balanced until the 40th minute when Margaret Kunihira calmly converted from the penalty spot to hand the law enforcers the decisive goal before halftime.
Following their title triumph, Police Bullets will now shift attention to the CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Qualifiers as they seek qualification to the continental stage.
Elsewhere, Kibera Soccer Women secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Zetech Sparks FC at Zetech University Mang’u Campus, courtesy of goals from Dorcas Neema, Amina Nyakoa and Ann Arusi.
Kayole Starlets FC also registered a 1-0 away victory over Madira Soccer Assassins thanks to a second-half strike from Calta Nasambu.
At Mumboha Grounds in Luanda, Vihiga Queens FC bounced back to winning ways with a thrilling 3-2 win over Gideon Starlets FC, inspired by a hat-trick from Martha Amunyole.
